MKs briefed on military discipline enforcement, capture of Hamas terrorists, and thwarting of terror attacks in Judea and Samaria.

<p>A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity to <i>The Associated Press</i>, said that hostage Edan Alexander is expected to be released on Monday. </p><p>The official added that Hamas was advised to “give a gift to President Trump and in return he will give back a better one.” </p>

Trump’s Middle East envoy dismisses reports of a rift with Netanyahu as "preposterous," reaffirms the strong US-Israel alliance.

<p>US President Donald Trump confirmed in a post on his Truth Social platform that hostage Edan Alexander will be released by Hamas.</p><p>"I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!" he wrote.</p>

<p>The Alexander Family released a statement following the news that Edan will be freed from Hamas captivity.</p><p>"Today, on Mother's Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza. We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless work to make this happen."</p><p>"We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don't stop. We hope our son's release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind," the family said.</p>

<p>An Israeli official clarified on Sunday night that the release of Edan Alexander was achieved thanks to the policy of applying military pressure on Hamas and its execution on the ground by the IDF.</p><p>"Hamas understood that it needed to make a gesture to the Americans because this is its only way to try to prevent the expansion of the war. Thanks to military pressure, Hamas has so far agreed to release most of our hostages, regardless of foreign passports. We will continue to do everything to free all our hostages," the official said.</p><p>"Hamas is receiving nothing in return for Idan’s release, and there is no ceasefire. To ensure his release, a safe corridor will be established to extract him from the Gaza Strip," the official stated.</p><p>The Israeli official further clarified that "negotiations on the original Witkoff outline, which Israel agreed to, will continue under fire. If Hamas agrees to the outline, the expansion of the war will be delayed to carry out the deal and release our hostages."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister's Office stated on Monday morning that "the expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without concessions is made possible due to the firm policy we have led, with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure exerted by IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip."</p><p>"Israel has not committed to any ceasefire or release of terrorists, only to a safe corridor to facilitate Idan’s release," it added.</p><p>"We are in critical days during which a deal is on the table for Hamas that would enable the release of our hostages. Negotiations will continue under fire while preparations are made to intensify the fighting."</p>

Federal security grants to synagogues are resuming after two-month Trump freeze.